by Primo Levi
First published 1978
In this spirited novel, two men from vastly different backgrounds forge an unlikely friendship. Libertini Faussone, a seasoned construction worker, regales the writer-chemist narrator with captivating tales of his globetrotting exploits. From assembling oil rigs in Siberia to navigating treacherous peaks, Faussone's stories brim with daring, ingenuity, and hard-earned wisdom. As the two men exchange their experiences, they discover surprising parallels between the physical and intellectual challenges they've faced. Through their engaging dialogue, Levi offers a vivid portrait of the dignity and fulfillment found in skilled, meaningful work.
Genres: fiction, literary-fiction, 20th-century, adventure
Vibes: intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: unlikely-friendship
Period: 20th Century
Paperback · Abacus Books (Sphere)